Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership

As the result of a collaboration between Berrien County residents, Amy Gillan, Terri Hebert Ed.D., President of Harbor Country Hikers Pat Fisher, the Vernal Pools Partnership and the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, a new field guide is being created with the intention of being community science-friendly, pocket-sized, water-resistant, and focused on the vernal pools of the Great Lakes Basin.

If you are interested in submitting photos to be considered for the new field guide, please add them through the link below:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cZ7Vdpr99sypatMvk6-RvyTU3cIWwOJY?usp=drive_link

Below are our standards and guidelines for submitted photographs. Also included are links to relevant articles that might prove helpful to those participating.

Standards for Published VP Field Guide Photos:

- White Background (or other contrasting background dependent on specimen)

- If the species is unable to be moved to white (or contrasting) background, species in nature photos will also merit consideration

- In photos of egg masses and macro-invertebrates (and their larval forms), include a measuring device (transparent ruler) for size reference if possible

Submission Guidelines:

- Download "VP Field Guide Photograph" Google Doc with information about photographer, location of species, photography settings used, and name of species

- Upload the Google Doc and the separate photograph(s) together using either jpg or raw/tiff formatting

Resources:

Suggested Photography Equipment and Camera Tips for Smart Phones:

Mastering Macro Photography With Your Cell Phone

Suggested Photography Equipment and Camera Tips for Standard DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras:

The Best Camera Settings For Macro Photography

Beginner's Guide to Macro Photography

Suggested Photography Point-and-Shoot Camera Tips:

The Art and Craft of Point-And-Shoot Macro Photography

Resources for Herp Photography:

The Photographer's Guide to Amphibian Photography

Photographing Frogs and Other Amphibians